This color educational film is about the many Missions in the Southwestern United States . There is no copyright at the beginning or end of the film but research shows that this is an Arthur Barr Production circa 1967.

No titles and missions are shown on the screen. A monk introduces us to the missions of the southwest. One in particular is the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara and another is San Xavier. (:06-1:14). Missions remind us of a time when Spain ruled northern Mexico & the southwestern USA. Missions were in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Jesuit missionary Father Kino was one of the early Spanish explorers of the American Southwest. He founded over 25 missions in this new, hot, dry land. Information on others who founded missions in the USA (1:15-4:01). Padres selected places with fertile soil and Indians who would assist to build these missions. Things didn't always go smoothly. Bringing Christianity to the Indians was a major concern. As time went on, Missions prospered. More missions were to be built further north to lay Spain's claim to the southwest (4:02-5:54). El Camino Real has changed over time. Many missions have eroded and gone away. Some are restored to their former grandeur. Cities have grown around some mission buildings while others have remained rural. How the buildings were built is detailed and explained (5:55-8:59). The bells created called those to work as well as worship. Footage of the bells. How the walls are made is explained (9:00-10:33). Original missions were more than a church but actually industrial communities. Long forgotten relics show how life once was (10:34-12:25). Many missions continue to serve as cultural centers. Shots of the mariachis playing. Cooks make food. Dancers dance as crowds watch (12:26-14:02). Some are still active churches. The missions are living reminders of Spanish influence (14:03-14:56). End Credits (14:57-15:02)

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com